Norimitsu Watabe

AIKEN, SC - Dr. Norimitsu Watabe, 99, husband of the late Sakuko K. Watabe, entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2022 at his residence. Norimitsu was born in Kure, Japan and attended Tohoku University. In 1957 he was invited to conduct research at Duke University. After 13 years at Duke, he accepted a position at the University of South Carolina to serve as the Director of the Electron Microscopy Laboratory and Professor of Biology. He retired in 1994 whereby he received the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences. During his career, he received many honors worldwide for his scientific research. His greatest honor came in 1982 when he was requested to conduct a one-on-one presentation to former Japanese Emperor Hirohito on South Carolina wildlife. After moving to Aiken, he could be seen most mornings walking at Virginia Acres Park. He is survived by a brother, Hirokazu (Harumi) Watabe of Kure, Japan; his children, Shoichi (Anne) Watabe of Grand Prairie, TX, and Sachiko W. (Karey) McAlhany of Aiken, SC; grandchildren, Brian (Chelsea) Watabe of Austin, TX, Matthew Watabe and Steven Watabe of Grand Prairie, TX, and William McAlhany of Aiken, SC; and great grandson Judah Watabe of Austin, TX. Services will be private. SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC 29803 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norimitsu Watabe, please visit our flower store.